Eddie Jefferson Body And Soul CD

Eddie Jefferson's 1968 album BODY AND SOUL reflects the year it was recorded. In contrast to Jefferson's early recordings, which focused primarily on swing, bop, and cool jazz material, BODY AND SOUL features vocalese interpretations of the post-bop and soul-jazz that were popular at the time. In a treatment of Joe Zawinul's "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," for example, Jefferson takes the same bluesy groove that made the song a hit for Cannonball Adderley and puts his textured tenor at the center of the melody. Horace Silver's "Psychedelic Sally" evokes the heady days of the period, while Jefferson's own composition "See If You Can Git to That" revs up with gospel-soul fervor.

Fans of Jefferson's readings of classic jazz standards won't be disappointed, however, because BODY AND SOUL includes vocalese performances of the Coleman Hawkins signature tune and Miles Davis's "So What" (the versions here, performed with a small combo, are arguably better than the ones on A JAZZ SINGER). Still, the highlight of the set may be the Horace Silver tune "Filthy McNasty," a free-flowing character sketch that is as fun and raunchy as its title indicates. Jefferson's vocal skill, and his ability to thread lyrics rhythmically through tricky melody lines, is consistently impressive.

Originally released on Prestige (7619).

Personnel: Eddie Jefferson, James Moody, Dave Burns, Barry Harris, Steve Davis, Bill English.

Personnel: Eddie Jefferson (vocals); James Moody (flute, tenor saxophone); Dave Burns (trumpet); Barry Harris (piano); Billy Gene English (drums).

Liner Note Author: Eddie Williams .

Recording information: New York, NY (09/27/1968).

Unknown Contributor Roles: Dave Burns; James Moody; Steve Davis; Barry Harris ; Billy Gene English.